Mike Sweeney: Postseason is the goal

New Mariner loves playing for a contender

It's required some adjustment to play on two different clubs the last two seasons after leaving the Royals.

I was in Kansas City for a long time. I played for the Royals organization for 17 years, including 13 years in the big leagues. I had a great time in Kansas City, and I never felt I was in a rut, and I never felt that I was bored. I enjoyed every second.

After that run, last year seemed a little weird. I was with the A's, and I had a great time, but it was different and so new after so many seasons in one place. It was like my first year not living at home.

Now I'm excited about my opportunity here in Seattle. I had to approach the season with a different mindset. I came into camp not even knowing if I would make this team, but I did make the rosterb and it turns out we have a winning team. That's so important for me.

I'm not playing as much as I have in the past, but I know I'm exactly where God wants me. My role is different on the field, and it also spills over to the clubhouse. It's about doing whatever I can to help my teammates get to the next level, too.

At the end of the night, whether I go 0-for-4 or whether I don't play, I just want to win. I've never played in a playoff game at this level. That's what I'm hoping for and fighting for every day.

I like to think that one of my strengths is my character. Character is who you are when nobody is looking. When the cameras are off and you're around your teammates for so long, they get to know who you really are.

My hope is that my character is noble and my character is honorable. That's one of the things that is on my resume that other clubs find attractive. I know my resume also has a lot of injuries, and that can scare some teams off, but I'm thankful the Seattle Mariners have given me a chance.

Perhaps it's part character and it's part what I can still do on the field -- a bit of both. Either way, I'm thankful, and I know I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

Mike Sweeney, a first baseman and designated hitter with the Mariners this season, is closing in on 1,400 career games. The 15-year veteran has a .298 career batting average and .853 career OPS along with 202 homers.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.